For many years on Friday afternoons, Don led an English discussion group for International Students in my living room. I have very good memories of those times as well as trips we would take and a house full of International students each Thanksgiving at the Croups.
Lurene worked with World Relief in a program to help integrate Amerasians from Vietnam into U.S. society. During one of the meetings for this at the Croups, I met Lurene’s niece Frances who was visiting from Canada.
The Friday afternoon after Frances returned home, after the students had left, Don mentioned that Frances had a birthday coming up and I should send her a birthday card. He just happened to have one with him, along with an addressed envelope (in Lurene’s handwriting). The card was old and yellowed, and looked like something bought in a bargain bin about 30 years prior. I still remembered the greeting “Oceans of Blessings on your Birthday”.
I mentioned to Don that I hardly knew the girl. Although she seemed nice, I was pretty shy and starting a long distance relationship (internationally) was outside my comfort zone. Also, while I was praying for a wife, I really wanted someone who had a deep commitment for the Lord and was compatible with my ministry mindset. Don assured me that Frances was all of these and she would be a perfect fit for me. He gave me the card and encouraged me to pray about sending it.
I did pray about it, and based on Don’s recommendation and the high value I placed on his advice, I signed and sent the card. Then a day later, I sent a separate letter to Frances explaining where the Birthday card came from (since I didn’t want credit for picking out a yellowed card—and of course it was obvious from handwriting on the envelope I would have had encouragement from the Croups) and expressing the pleasure I had meeting her and spending some time with her while she was down visiting the Croups.
Frances and I have been happily married for over 31 years and I am very grateful to Don and Lurene for their part in bringing us together.